Dorchester County urging residents to stay out of storm water

Officials with the Dorchester County Emergency Management Department are urging residents to stay out of storm water.

Emergency officials say citizens should take precautions to stay out of all flood waters.

"Do not let children or pets play in the water. Bacteria in the flood water known as fecal coliform can cause symptoms such as stomachache, fever, vomiting and diarrhea," Dorchester County officials said."Those exposed to fecal coliform (bacteria) can become ill if they have an open cut, wound, or scrape that comes into contact with contaminated water. Symptoms include fever, redness and swelling at the site of an open wound. If these symptoms occur, a doctor should be consulted."